Local dance teacher steals the show with Blanco Brown

Published 9:16 am Wednesday, July 7, 2021

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This Sunday, thousands gathered at the Earle May Boat Basin for the city’s Star-Spangled Flint 4th of July celebration. Perhaps the crowds were so large because of the past year spent cooped up under lockdown, although the more likely reason was this year’s entertainment, with a concert headlined by Daniel E. Johnson, and the star performance delivered by Blanco Brown.

According to event coordinator Randee Eubanks, Brown’s presence was a huge draw, with people from surrounding counties coming to the celebration.

“I think it was a great night, we’re fortunate the weather held off,” she said. “Daniel and Blanco both put on a good show.”

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In addition to the concert, bounce houses were present for kids, and nine vendors, mainly consisting of food and trinkets, were also present.

“It was a good night, good for vendors, all in all a good night for everyone,” Eubanks continued. A beer tent was present for legal patrons as well, with visitors requiring a hand stamp and a purchase of tickets to exchange for beer.

Local dance teachers Kacee Franklin and Allison Dollar stole the show with Brown, performing the singer’s famous “Git Up” dance with him on stage. This wasn’t planned in advance, but had been a spur of the moment thing, according to Eubanks. All the event sponsors had been given meet-and-greet passes, as well as the winning team for the city’s “Git Up” dance challenge (Franklin having been the team’s dance instructor.)

“His energy was really cool,” Franklin said.

In addition to Franklin, her niece Mia McCullough was also given a meet-and-greet pass. McCullough recently suffered severe spinal injuries after a car accident. Brown himself had also recently recovered from a motorcycle collision that left him temporarily unable to walk, and spoke to McCullough backstage.

“He spoke to her and she was just glowing,” Franklin said. “He was just being really motivating to Mia. He was very giving and loving.”

After the concert had concluded, people gathered for the fireworks, which illuminated the Boat Basin in a myriad of colors.

“I think it was a successful event for sure,” Eubanks said. “It’s solely for the enjoyment of our citizens.”

The city is already in the process of planning for next year’s 4th, although nothing is definitive now.